A Study of 1 Peter
Chapter 2: Lesson Two
Christians are Strangers and Pilgrims
INTRODUCTION.
A. In the last lesson, we showed that Christians are God's people. (2:1-10)
B. As Christians, we are to lay or put aside all malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. (vs 1)
C. We also showed that Christians are living stones, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people.
D. In this lesson, we will show that Christians are strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land as well as how Christians should be living.
I. CHRISTIANS ARE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS. (vs 11-12)
A. As God’s people, Christians are not part of this world.
1. Having already explained that Christians are God’s people (vs 9), Peter now explained that Christians are strangers (sojourner - NKJV, alien - NASV) and pilgrims (strangers - NASV).
2. Because Christians are God’s people, their citizenship lies in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) Christians may be citizens of an earthly kingdom due to their physical birth; however, Christians are citizens in heaven due to their spiritual birth. (John 3:1-6)
B. Knowing that their citizenship is in heaven, and that they are strangers and pilgrims in this strange land, Christians should strive to abstain from the fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (vs 11; Ephesians 6:10-13)
C. Since Christians are strangers in this world, Christians must realize that the citizens of this world are watching their every move. (vs 12)
1. A Christian is a representative of the kingdom of Christ. A Christian is a light unto the world. Matthew 5:14 records Christ saying, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
2. A Christian’s conduct must be honorable among those who are not Christians.
3. It is possible that the people who speak evil against Christians will see a Christian's faithful lifestyle and make the decision to obey God. If these people obey God, then at judgement (day of visitation), they will glorify God.
4. Consider the consequences when David brought reproach upon God’s people. (2 Samuel 12:9-14)
II. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT TO DESPISE OR HAVE CONTEMPT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM. (vs 13-25)
A. Although Christians are strangers in this land, Christians are expected to live by the laws of this land. If Christians do not obey the ordinances of man (laws), then Christians will bring reproach against the kingdom of Christ, the church. ("For the Lord's sake...") (vs 13)
1. Christians are to obey kings, governors, or anyone who is in authority.
2. Those who are in authority have the right to punish the evildoers and to praise those who do good. (vs 14; Romans 13:1-7)
3. The result of obeying the laws of the land, will be the silencing of the ignorance of foolish men. Christians live by the rules of the government because Christians are servants of God. (vs 15-16)
B. Christians are to:
1. Honor or esteem all people.
2. Love the brotherhood,
3. Fear God.
4. Honor or esteem the king.
5. NOTE: The greater affections go to God and the brotherhood.
C. Regarding servants: Servants are to be submissive to their masters with fear - both gentle masters and harsh masters. (vs 18-20)
1. It is commendable to endure grief and wrongful suffering from a harsh master.
2. However, there is no credit if a Christian is beaten for his/her faults.
D. Christians should be willing to patiently suffer for doing good. Christ set the perfect example of enduring wrongful suffering. (vs 21-25)
CONCLUSION.
A. Let us not forget . . .
1. We are not a part of this world. Our citizenship lies in Heaven. We must live accordingly. (v 11-12)
2. We are to submit to our government and its rules and regulations. (v 13-17)
3. Servants are to submit to their masters. (v 18-20)
4. We should be ready to suffer for doing good. Let us walk in the example set by Jesus Christ. (v 21-25)
A. If you are a Christian, then you are a stranger and pilgrim here on this earth. Be conscious of the fact that your citizenship lies in Heaven and live accordingly.
B. If you are not a Christian, then forsake this world, and become a child of God today.
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1 Peter 2:Lesson 2 -- October 5, 2003 -- File # 718
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK